by Alison Myers

Created on: June 29, 2008   Last Updated: September 10, 2009

Classes, extracurricular activities, and a job are some of the things that take up a college student's time. Their calendar fills up in a hurry and they wonder when they will squeeze in a little extra sleep or hang out with their friends.

I just graduated from college, so I understand how it is to have little; if any, free time during your college years. However, even when the homework is piling up, you can still make some time for yourself and your friends. Here's how to do it.

Plan out your schedule as far in advance as you can. For example, when you get your class syllabus, write down all your exam dates and other due dates in a planner. This way, you'll know when you're free to go out and when you'll have to stay in to do research or write a big paper. It will also save you from being unprepared for the deadline. Would you rather be up all night writing 15 pages the night before or celebrate being done?

Take one day each week to do nothing. Don't do any homework and don't go to your job that day if possible. If you must earn some money, spend the time before and after work watching movies, calling your family, or whatever else helps you relax.

Don't beat yourself up for wanting or needing free time. You will be wasting your energy thinking about how you don't deserve it or think of all the work you have to do. Next thing you know, you're hitting the books because you feel guilty. Don't fall into that trap. A rest from academics and activities will help you be more focused when you jump back in.

Make sure you have the money to do what you want. It won't be easy to have fun if you're stressing over buying something you shouldn't be or can't get the money from your bank account. Always check your account balances before planning any activities and don't buy more than you can afford. Money can cause a lot of stress for college students and you'll want to have enough in case an emergency comes up.

Finally, don't let anyone else control your free time. This goes back to not feeling guilty about the free time you give yourself. Furthermore, don't let your friends talk you into something you won't enjoy doing or don't care to do. Don't listen to your parents tell you that you're not being productive (unless you are truly struggling with your grades). Try to avoid always going to work when asked to come in on a day off. If you have to tell a small lie to say why you can't come in, do it. No typical boss is going to bother to look into the truth.

College is an extremely busy time, but it will go fast. Make time to enjoy the four (or five) years and you will make a lot of memories and graduate with some sanity intact.

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